Imagine a city transformed by the vibrant energy and unwavering commitment of its youth. In Calgary, this vision is becoming reality, one award at a time. The Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) have been celebrating the incredible young people making a difference in their community for two decades.
On Saturday, May 4th, the Calgary Zoo came alive with enthusiastic youth as the 21st annual YODA ceremony took place. Recipients were announced across nine categories, each representing a different way that Calgary’s youth are leading the charge to build stronger communities.
From the generous volunteer who gives their time and energy to support those in need, to the activist fighting for social justice, to the athlete embodying sportsmanship and teamwork, to the friend who brightens the lives of those around them – these awards honour the full spectrum of leadership and compassion that our city’s young people display every day.
The YODA ceremony is more than just an awards show; it’s a testament to the positive change that is possible when we empower youth. With the help of dedicated sponsors and volunteers, Youth Central has created a platform for recognition that uplifts and inspires.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration. Scroll down to see the full list of award recipients and learn more about the inspiring finalists who were recognized at the 2024 YODA ceremony. Join us in cheering on the remarkable young people who are building community and shaping Calgary’s future.
We need your help to keep this incredible tradition going. The Arts and Culture category is in need of sponsorship to continue recognizing the talented young artists and cultural innovators who are making Calgary a more vibrant and inclusive city. If you’re interested in joining this great cause, please reach out to give@youthcentral.com.
Advocacy
- Henry Stewart
- Lucy (Suhyun) Choi
- Liangray Li
Arts & culture
- Andrea Hong
- Caroline Mah
- Eldar Ibrahimov
Environment
- Aaron Tan
- Annalise Hinks
- Justin Tan
Innovate
- Joel Amaldas
- Natonya Fedeyko
- Noah Karmali
Leadership
- Bryson Hajee
- Kamran Shukoor
- Sophia Lathrop
Peer support
- Ali Abzakh
- Denise Phung
- Via Cummings
Perseverance
- Chanelle Warris
- Karna Kokame
- Lok Holmes
Sportsmanship
- Alison Wang
- Nick Maclure
- Saboor Zeeshan
Penny Hume Volunteer Award
- Grant Li
- Joshua Jacobson
- Kingston Chee
